The Tour of Utah organisers have announced the 16 teams that will compete in the seven-day stage race between August 3 and August 9. There are also 18 women’s teams taking part in the Criterium Classic.

“We have so many great teams at this year’s Tour of Utah, and at the Criterium Classic. With the World Championships for road cycling being held in Richmond, Virginia, just a month after Utah, we expect these teams to bring top contenders for race week. Spectators will be treated to compelling attacks and race action across northern Utah at all seven stages,” said Jenn Andrs, executive director of the Larry H. Miller Tour of Utah, a division of Larry H. Miller Sports & Entertainment.

Airgas-Safeway, the team of Chris Horner have been invited, which is a big boost for the team after they missed out on the Tour of California.

“We're really excited to do the Tour of Uath this summer. This is a race that Chris Horner in particular has done well in the past, and the whole team is focused on riding for the win in August there," team manager Chris Johnson said.

“When Chris got the news that the team was getting an invitation, he was really, really excited. The course excites him. It's a hard race with really steep climbs. It's a beautiful course.”

“A lot of our younger guys have been stepping up their performances, and I know that a lot of that has to do with the idea that they are going to get these larger opportunities, and it's come to fruition now. It's a big deal."

Horner loves the race, finishing second in the last two editions behind another veteran, Tom Danielson, of Cannondale-Garmin, who is expected to return to defend his title.

Teams for the 2015 Tour of Utah:

UCI ProTeams: BMC Racing Team, Cannondale-Garmin Pro Cycling, Trek Factory Racing

UCI Professional Continental Teams: Bardiani-CSF, Drapac Professional Cycling, Team Colombia, Team MTN-Qhubeka presented by Samsung, UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team

UCI Continental Teams: Airgas-Safeway Cycling Team, Axeon Cycling Team, Team Budget Forklifts, Hincapie Racing Team, Jamis-Hagens Berman presented by Sutter Home, Jelly Belly presented by Maxxis, Optum p/b Kelly Benefit Strategies, Team SmartStop